Putting Putin in his Place

In addition to his adventurism in Ukraine, Russian President Vladimir Putin has injected obstructionism into European politics and escalated the conflict in the Middle East, thereby aggravating the refugee crisis. The EU must wake up to the threat Putin poses and begin to counter his aggression.

BRUSSELS – At least six crises are testing Europe’s stability: regional chaos caused primarily by the war in Syria, a potential British exit from the European Union, an influx of refugees on a scale not seen since World War II, unresolved financial challenges, Russian expansionism, and the return of nationalism to mainstream politics.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has intentionally exacerbated at least four of these crises. In addition to his adventurism in Ukraine, he has injected obstructionism into European politics through his support of populist and euroskeptic parties, escalated the conflict in the Middle East by his military intervention in Syria and, as a consequence, aggravated the refugee crisis. The EU must wake up to the threat Putin poses and begin to counter his aggression.

The nationalism sweeping Europe, indeed, has been partly fueled by Russian funding of far-right political parties, the rise of which has prevented Europe from crafting a collective response to the refugee crisis. In the United Kingdom, the pro-Putin UK Independence Party is nipping at Prime Minister David Cameron’s heels, so the government refuses to commit to taking Britain’s fair share of refugees. Similarly, Sweden has closed its borders, in response to the far-right Sweden Democrats’ rapidly rising poll numbers. This sorry calculus is being carried out across the continent.

The nationalism sweeping Europe is also the result of a sweeping pauperization in Europa. The rise of the far right my be in parts sponsored by Putin, but the real cause is the neoliberal policy since the demise of the eastern block plus the global financial and economic meltdown in 2007.

Verhofstadt was, together with Sarkozy, one of the advocates to bring Khadafi down. The result is civil war, terrorism, tens of thousands of people killed, tens of thousands jobless, tens of thousands refugees, a country in dissaray and a destabilisation of neighboutring countries in Northern Africa. This man should stand for trial in the International Court in The Hague.

In early 2012, President Barrack Obama was caught unexpectedly chatting next to an open microphone to Russian President Dmitry Medvedev about the ongoing discussions regarding the European missile defense system. At that precise point in time the American president told his Russian counterpart to give him the opportunity to get reelected first so he could have a better chance of making the signing of a treaty a reality. Obama added: “On all these issues, but particularly missile defense…this can be solved, but it’s important for him to give me space,” The "him" was none other than a veiled reference to the incoming Russian president — and outgoing prime minister — Vladimir Putin.

This feeble appeal sent by the top leader of the liberal world order must have been received with utter derision at the Kremlin as the political-military events that unfolded afterwards demonstrated the lack of respect that the former apparatchik of the Russian Federal Security Services has for the Obama administration and the West. Whether in granting asylum to the American subcontractor traitor Edward Snowden, to the annexation of Crimea, to the military interventions in Ukraine and Syria, among other aggressive moves, Putin has showed unmitigated disdain toward America and the EU. But can one blame him when he rightfully perceives how weak our Western leadership is? Compared to Neville Chamberlain in the 1930's, today's coterie of elected officials make the latter appear more of a Talleyrand than a warmonger appeaser.

In a certain manner Mr. Verhofstadt’s observations are right when he expresses that: "It is time for Europe to assert itself, harness its economic might, and use it to put Putin in his place". Unfortunately, within the contemporary crop of statesmen there is none that can stand up to Moscow. Vladimir Putin knows this and therefore takes advantage of the fact. Hopefully the next caucus of governmental CEO's will react differently and put a halt to Mr. Putin's adventurism but don't hold your breath for in the near horizon there seems to be a batch of mollifiers rather than Churchill's or Truman's.

This "article" takes invention of reality beyond fiction into the realm of tales and drunken delirium. So, Putin bought France for 11 million euro loan to Le Pen? Whereas US spending 10% of Ukranian GDP just through State Department didn't even factor in the overthrow of Ukranian president, parliament and Supreme Court? It would be equivalent of Putin spending $250 billion on French election -- more that was spent through whole history of France by all elected officials put together.
Syrian, Iraqi, and Lybian refugees flooded Europe before Putin threw a single bomb at anyone, isn't it a known fact? Other people have been throwing bombs for close to 13 years there -- any chance it had something to do with refugee crisis? We are not talking about 50 people that Russians might or might not killed. Death tolls in Iraq, Syria, and Libya are in 100,000 or millions before Putin even asked "may be enough of this?". It's all Putin fault?
Are there actual sane, sober people who are fooled by these fantastic reinventions?

It is an article lacks everything. If he could, he would like to blame all earth quicks on Russia. Not seeing the role of Turkey, Saudi Arabian, Qatar, America and EU created so called "Free Syrian Armee" by supplying all types of weapons demonstrates how poor Mr VERHOFSTADT can think. Don't forget Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Turkey were claiming that there was no democracy in Syria. More importantly countries expected to represent the true values of democracy joined Saudi Arabian, Turkey and Qatar. The cause of this destruction was generated by highly developed weapons and war conditions, which were prepared by external powers obsessed for toppling Assad, as if Saudi Arabian, Qatar and Turkey had democracy.

The writer, Soros & Co, have nothing to debate here. To put it very mildly, and in the unlikely event of Hilary winning the US presidential elections, she is no match whatsoever to Putin. In the unlikely event of Trump winning the US presidential elections, he has already expressed his views about Putin. The EU and NATO are fragmented and penny pinchers and therefore constitute no threat either. So in brief, Putin is in a win-win situation whoever wins in the US and whatever happens in the ME. Putin did say a year ago, that the current crisis is likely to last a couple of years, meaning by this, the end of the term of the current US preacher. My advice to you Mr. Soros, do not speculate against the rouble, you stand to lose big.

However Annoying, Failure to Engage Russia Is Not an Option, so says Prof. Prantl. "A recurrent theme emerging at such (international) conferences is the vital importance of exposing the next generation of Russian scholars and practioners to the contemporary world, and of exposing foreigners －students and scholars alike－to Russian ideas and thinking." www.YaleGlobal Online/Jochen Prantl/However Annoying, Failure to Engage Russia Is Not an Option.

The biggest long-term threat to the stability of the EU is the EU itself, its uneven political architecture, and the response of EU citizens to EU policies.

The second biggest threat to the stability of the EU is (as always) restrictions on marine shipping (closure of the Suez Canal, blockade of the Strait of Gibraltar, a modern day oil embargo and other scale events) which could shatter the EU economy and thereby, the stability of the bloc.

And the list continues, all the way down to the price of bread.

Somewhere below the price of bread is the threat the Vlad Putin poses to the EU.

It's great to have Vlad Putin to blame for everything, isn't it?

I wonder if computer keyboard makers will now offer keyboards with a 'Blame Russia' key, just to make it easier.

Had a bad day at work? Hit the Blame Russia key, a nice tune will play for you. See, all better.

If Vlad Putin were to suddenly pass away or be abducted by aliens it would be the worst thing for the EU, because there would be nobody to blame -- *and yet all the same problems would remain*.

Some EU politicians however, see the value of Vlad Putin, who distracts voters from the unsolved issues that have continued to plague Europe for the past four decades, and it gives voters someone to focus on (while some EU leaders sit on their hands, hoping that by continuing to do the same thing over and over, they will see a different result) while other EU leaders are diligently working to resolve the issues.

Vlad is doing a great service for Europe's leaders as they scramble to adopt policies to match the new realities -- which are coming hard and fast these days.

EU policy must become more nimble, tailored for prompt action/reasonable solutions, and be more acceptable to average EU citizens instead of Europe's elites.

This is straight up propaganda. I can see the author only listens to or sees the sanitised and skewed western media views, all prepped from Washington. It should be ignored, because acting on this direction will just inflame the current mess. Remember Russia is the ONLY outside litigant with permission to act in Syria.

Putin the tough guy on the block! Not exactly politically correct which is actually GOOD because it´s the biggest LIE ever! The entire Syrian crisis is about geopolitical matter and Big OIL! US Empire want control of OIL and Central BANKS both crucial pilars in the US EMPIRE that want to destabilize EU to divide Germany from Russia! Excellent analysis of chain of events and ongoing proxy Wars in Syria,Irak is made by William Engdahl leading World Geopolitical analyst! Russia is just confronting the US Empire and stopping intent of NWO by the Hidden Cartel including George Soros as messenger boy for the ROTHSHILDS etc!

I will only believe Europe is serious about confronting Russia, when it's wealthy countries at art spending the 2 % of GNP on defense as opposed to depending on the Americans to ride to the rescue if Russia flexes its muscle and invades.

Woke up, it was a Chelsea manning, and the first thing that I heard
Was a song outside my window, and the NSA wrote the words
It came a-reeling up like Christmas bells, and rapping up like pipes and drums

Oh, USA won't you stay way
We'll put on the day
And we'll wear it 'till the night comes

Woke up, it was a Chelsea manning, and the first thing that I saw
Was wikileaks footage of drone bombing
Blue, red, green and gold to welcome you, crimson crystal beads to beckon

@Alex Leo, it's very disheartening when people like you instead of using the brain God gave you decide to shut it off and rather call people who are looking at the article objectively "useful idiots" and "Russian - Serbian trolls". I wonder what kind of tuition you received at home. That those who side with you are good and those who disagree with you are evil huh? I guess Abu Bakr al Bagdadi will be your friend on Facebook because you seem to share the same ideology. Yikes.

Putin, the tough kid is left with the orphaned Europe to bully since big bro US is minding it's own business. So Putin gets blamed for every mishap in the EU thereby helping EU leaders abscond from blame. How can you blame Putin when you fail to put the mechanism of a political Union in place. How do you blame Putin for your own indecision and inactiveness? You know what, Putin isn't stronger than Europe just that Europe knows how to muddle through every crisis and now Putin knows how to make the water muddied.

Great article. Too bad too many useful idiots and Russian Serbian trolls cloud the comment section. Which, if you connect the dots, may mean that the last statement is wrong and the EU will buckle and crumble.

You obviously had a pretty bad upbringing, education and had no one to teach you any manners at home. Instead of insulting me on the racial and national basis just because you disagree with me, maybe you should try to use some of that brain (if you got any) and give some logical arguments here. But I guess a racist like you is just incapable of doing that.

In the face of various crises that befall Europe, Guy Verhofstadt, a former Belgian prime minister, today a leading member of the European Parliament, says Vladimir Putin has a finger in many pies - the frozen conflict in Eastern Ukraine; the rise of "populist and Eurosceptic parties that "obstruct" EU politics; refugee crisis following Russia's heavy bombing on civilians in Syria.
Teem with expansionist endeavour, Putin had embarked on military forays in Eastern Ukraine and Syria, destabilising Europe's backyard. If Britons vote to leave the EU, it will be a boost for Putin, who loves the idea of a divided Europe. He has showered largesse on populist parties of both extreme left and far right across Europe, aiming to form a pro-Russian bloc within the EU. These populists defy mainstream political parties, forcing them to pander to nationalist pressure. While the Union is struggling with "financial challenges" and a weak recovery of its economy, it is seeing an "influx of refugees on a scale not seen since World War II." There is no doubt that Putin "has intentionally exacerbated" some of these crises. Verhofstadt urges the EU to "wake up to the threat Putin poses and begin to counter his aggression," and suggests four measures to put Putin "in his place."
To start with, "European governments must put a swift halt to Russian financing of political parties within Europe," and with the help of the CIA to "shut them down for good." Not a bad idea. In 2012 Russia's lower house of parliament adopted a controversial bill that labels foreign-funded non-governmental organisations as "foreign agents". But are we going to stoop so low to emulate Putin?
Second, the EU must increase pressure on Russia, by imposing "enhanced economic sanctions." According to UN Security Council Resolution 2254, all players are obliged to "stop indiscriminate attacks against civilians" in Syria. If Russia violates this resolution, sanctions are justified. The problem is that Russia and Assad claim they are fighting "terrorists." In their eyes anyone, who is against the regime is a "terrorist."
Third, the EU must support Turkey's bid for a no-fly zone along the Syrian border, which could serve as "safe havens" for refugees fleeing Aleppo." Turkey has pushed for a no-fly zone across its border to Syria, because it opposes any strengthening of Syrian Kurds, who had seized some land from the regime. But the US, which has been helping Syrian Kurds with air support in the fight against ISIS, has been lukewarm about the suggestion from Turkey.
Finally, Europe "must stop making Putin’s job easier for him and implement a collective approach to the influx of refugees," by setting up a "European frontier force and coast guard," and "helping Greece manage its border." Indeed, Greece has to shoulder a large burden, because Turkey does little to rein in the influx.
Meanwhile, funds could be allocated to "the refugee camps in Turkey, Jordan, and elsewhere," to improve living conditions, and to help meet their basic needs. "European leaders must agree to take a fair share of those in need, by allowing refugees to apply for asylum in the EU" from where they stay. Given the mood among Europeans, popular resistance is strong.
However nobody knows how long Putin can sustain his political gains abroad and the economy at home. He is not in an enviable position, even though he seems to bask in adulation.

One of the most dysfunctional statements I have read. To claim the EU is strong and at the same time to propose the involvement of the CIA no less in solving the EUs problems. I am still gagging at the idea. BTW Putin doesnt follow the rules which is why he is a problem. The only way to deal with this is to cease dealing with him. Unfortunately a number of majors incuding Germany are dependent on Russian gas. In short, delusional

The world is in a chaotic mess and it does not take much to see how we got to here. Yet we have people trying to deflect the issue onto others as if they are pure and innocent. When the central intelligence agency is encouraged to get involved after their history of involvement you have to question the motives. Having European members unite to gang up on refugees by having Greece manage its borders is not too subtle in intension. Linking any credibility to Soros says it all because we know his modus operandi. While this kind of rhetoric is pushed to the fore we will have more of the same and of course that cannot go on forever in a format that suits only one side. What is so perplexing is that we have educated people who should know better pushing this crap as the only way forward and the ordinary people eventually believe it, like sheep to slaughter. We all need to take responsibility for what is happening because pushing it onto others will only make it worse....

One might add a crisis: at the moment the EU does not fulfil its premise of increased welfare, stagnating for almost a decade as the GDP hovers around its 2007 level. The West/EU and Russia have very much different economic, political and military weight. In military expenditure, it is ten to one between NATO and Russia. Russia’s commodity-depending economy lags behind in competitiveness in a similar way. Putin’s era and with it the current economic model has a very limited lifespan.

It is correct that Russia skilfully exploits EU’s weaknesses. This possibility emerged from EU’s overstretch, its inadequate solutions, double standards, mental models and limited problem-solving capacities. To a certain extent one might be thankful to Russia acts as a catalyst to changes that have to be made in order to meet ongoing challenges.

It is an expression of weakness if the biggest threat for a $15 trillion economy is a $ 1.2 trillion economy with an outdated economic model.

PS Anne - just look at the current state of affairs in Libya? Is that how the liberation from dictatorship and the arrival of democracy should look like????? Please switch off the TV and use your brain

@ Anne Roorda - no, not at all, I can just use my own brain instead of being brainwashed by Western propaganda. I have been living in the UK for many years now, btw, but I choose not to listen to just one side of the story, which is obviously not the case with you.

If you really believe that the Arab Spring was simply driven by discountent people, then you are either extremely gullible and naive or you perhaps you are a funded propagandist yourself.
Do you really believe that heavily armed insurgencies rise up agaist the government just like that? That people just go in the streets and a few months later slaughter their former leader in front of the whole world's eyes, without any logistics and funding behind that "deed"?
No, whereas many of the Arab world former and current rulers are guilty of many things, those who were murdered without the trial (e.g. Ghadaffi) ultimately paid the price of not bowing to the will of those who are behind the politicians in the West, i.e. multinational corporations and oil conglomerates. If you cannot see that, I'm just really sorry for you.

I agree with the author, as Europe has made it far too easy for Putin he should be Put In prison for his murderous assaults and additional economic sanctions would soon cripple his already totering economy. Like all dictators his time will end and Russia will struggle from one crises to the next still thinking it is a world power a little like France.

Sorry David, your comment just begs one question: if we (Europe) should put Putin in prison for "his murdrous assaults", then who from NATO leadership should we put in prison for war crimes committed in Iraq, Libya, Afghanistan, Serbia (1999. bombing campaign if you recall)?? Please give me an honest and simple answer. Thanks

Mr. Verhofstadt, how about putting your NATO allies and yourself in your place. Putin did not start the Arab springs, you (NATO countries) have by financing the overthrow of rulers in Arab countries and as a result initiated the instability that has directly led to the multitude of crises the EU is facing now.

Russia got involved in 2015 in the Syrian war and it started back in 2011. What have NATO countries done over 4 years apart from financing and arming some imaginary "moderate" rebels and thus fueling the bloodshed and carnage in Syria? Nothing!
After several months of Russia's involvment we are close to the ceasfire. Is that telling you? Of course not, because you are blinded by your dogmatism and that's why the EU is at risk of collapsing, not because of Putin or Russia.

@Ann Roorda The use of ad-Hominem attack shows you are a troll, unable to make a rational argument. You also clearly believe the one sided arguments of the author, showing your conditioning to uncritically accept negative assertions about Russia, and reject evidence of vastly greater western interference in the middle east. I suggest you read 'The Grand Chessboard' by Zbigniew Brzezinski, who incidently schooled the candidate Obama on foreign affairs, perhaps you may then see the Arab Spring, and the events in Syria and Ukraine in a different light. Of course, just like the author here, you may still support such actions, given your values and worldview.

Are you one of the Russian internet propaganda minions funded by Putin?
The Arab Spring was driven by Arabs. Many were discontent with their corrupt, authoritarian governments and rightly so.
I'm surprised we have not yet seen a Russian Spring. Unfortunately Russia is trapped in eternal Winter.

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